Long Island, NY: December 14th, 2018: Nearly 500 people from across the country came together to celebrate the contributions, achievements and growth of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin of QUEENS and LONG ISLAND (AAPI-QLI) during the 23rd annual convention here at the Hilton Huntington, Long Island, NY on Saturday, December 8th, 2018. Entertainment, CME lectures, Exhibition, Business Forums, Networking, Recognition of five distinguished physicians for their achievements and contributions, Gala and Dinner were only some of those made the convention historic on this colorful and eventful day.
In his presidential address, Jagdish K. Gupta, M, President of AAPI-QLI, describing the convention as a historic event gave an overview of how the organization, and its trajectory of growth over the past 23 years and how it has become today to be one of the most powerful ethnic Physician organizations in the country. “AAPIQLI is fortunate to have a strong foundation made by its founding members. AAPI-QLI was started in June 1995 to represent the interests of all physicians of Indian origin in Queens and Long Island area and now has grown to become the largest ethnic physician organization of approximately 800 members, one of the largest chapters in National AAPI.”
Enumerating some of the programs under his able leadership AAPI-QLI initiated, Dr. Gupta said, AAPI-QLI has been providing a forum for monthly meetings for Continuing Medical Educations on Sunday, monthly sessions with discussions on current trends and changes on a range of topics in healthcare, wealth management, and practice management issues on Wednesday. “AAPI-QLI is also engaged in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large in the form of donations to ROTACARE, INN- Soup Kitchen, Shankar Nethralaya, CRY foundation and many others. The organization also conducts many Health Camps at our religious institutions, providing free flu vaccine, eye care, dental care and preventive medical care including anti-obesity campaigns in the 
elementary schools and for Veterans of our nation.” AAPI-QLI also participates with other organizations, like IALI and AIA in sponsoring Health Fairs during India Fest and Deepavali Celebrations at South Street Seaport, Dr. Gupta said.
elementary schools and for Veterans of our nation.” AAPI-QLI also participates with other organizations, like IALI and AIA in sponsoring Health Fairs during India Fest and Deepavali Celebrations at South Street Seaport, Dr. Gupta said.In his address, Dr. Ajay Lodha, Chairman of BOT-AAPI-QLI, and past national President of AAPI, said, “Under the leadership of Dr. Gupta, r AAPI-QLI has raised the bar higher than ever. We have been able to expand our reach to all parts of the state and improve the educational and charitable experience of our members. We want to create a strong relationship with various organizations within our community that reflect our vision and mission. AAPI-QLI will discover her own potential to be a player in shaping the health of each patient with a focus on health maintenance than disease intervention.”
Dr. Lodha described AAPIQLI as the most vibrant and powerful subchapter of national AAPI which represents more than 100,000 physicians and more than 20,000 residents and fellows of Indian subcontinent. “My friends, you do not know your own power. When AAPI speaks, people in Washington listen. AAPI has been in the forefront in shaping legislation in a number of complex challenges confronting the medical/healthcare system,” he said. He thanked and praised the hard work an
The Distinguished honorees of the Gala this year included: Dr. Alan Guerci, President & CEO, Catholic Health services, Long Island; and, Dr. Jason Naidich, Senior VP & Regional Executive Director of Northern Region at Northwell Health and Chairman of Radiology at Zucker School of Medicine.
AAPI-QLI honored there of its own members for their dedicated services and contributions as awell as their achievements in the field of Medicine and Health. Dr. Satish Anand was honored with Lifetime Distinguished Services to AAPI-QLI Award. Dr. Manjeet Chadha received the Distinguished Physician Innovation in Research Award; and, Dr. Gaddam Reddy was honored with Distinguished Physician Clinical Services Award.
In his address, Congressman Thomas Suozzi, chief guest at the event, praised the contributions of Indian Americans to the larger American society. “In this room, you represent the future of New York and the USA. I see an immense pool of talents among you. We are very lucky to have you. You do so much for the nation,” he said. Describing India’s relationship with the United States to be “the most important in the next 50 years” for both the democracies, Suozzi said, “India shares the same democratic values like the United States.”
“We take pride in our diversity,” Nassau County Executive, Steven Bellone, in his felicitation address, said. “Indian American Physicians have earned the admiration and respect of those in their community, working diligently to provide vital programs and services that contribute to the quality of life in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York.”
Dr. Viny Jayam, Convention Chair, welcomed the audience to the gala and thanked the tireless efforts of the committee members for their hard work and dedication. Dr. Rakesh Dua, Immediate Past President of AAPI, congratulated the team under the leadership of DR. Gupta for their dedication and leadership. The event came to a close with a live musical performance by leading Bollywood stars, and a grand dinner.
AAPIQLI represents more than 2,000 Physicians residing in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk serving the community of New York and its Counties. These practicing physicians are dedicated to provide highest quality of care to their patients and are also serving in most prominent positons at their medical institutions, including Administrative, Program Directors, Heads of Department, and Teaching. These leaders are making decisions about medical and Pharmaceutical Products, devices and equipment and practice related services at multiple levels in hospitals, medical school, outpatient centers, and health care facilities. For information, please visit: http://aapiqli.org/about-